This 40mmOcta Automatique Lune ALis one of theearliest examplesofF.P. Journesmoonphase display to feature a centralised dial layout. TheOcta AutomatiqueLune ALpreserves many of the distinctive characteristics of Journe's earlier Octa Lunemodels, whilst managing to be recognisably different. It features a Clous de Paris guilloch dial pattern and recessed power reserve display, taking inspiration from the Chronomtre Souverain.

The history

The earliest works ofeffortlessly blend traditional 19th-century watchmaking with modern haute-horology. TheOctamovementwas introduced in 2001, becoming only the third developed by the brand - after theand-and the first automatic mechanismto deliver120 hours of precision timekeeping, through reserved-power.Two years later,the very firstOcta Lunewon the Favourite Mens Watch award at theGrand Prix dHorlogerie de Genve(GPHG) - the most prestigious award ceremony in the watch industry.

The movement

While this piece is undeniably attractive, it is the movement thatF.P. Journeis famed for. Since the introduction of the firstReserve de Marchein 2001, mechanicalF.P. Journeexamples canbe divided into two main movement types the manually-woundSouverainand automaticOcta(Latin for "eight" or "infinite"). EachOctamovement is designed to incorporate fully-integrated complications within the same volume. Impressively, all variations withinF.P. Journes entireOctacollection are identical, both in diameter and thickness.

This self-windingF.P. Journecaliber1300.3movement is 18-carat rose gold, withCtes de Genve, constructed with 36 jewels and a shock absorber mechanism. It further features a straight-line lever escapement and monometallic 4-arm balance with 4 timing weights, adjusted to 5 positions. It includes a self-compensating free-sprung flat balance spring and off-centre uni-directional 22-carat guilloche rotor. The movement is engraved "Exclusive Power Reserve System" and "Precision Chronometer".

The design

TheOcta Automatique Luneis quintessentially anF.P. Journe, in both its design language and movement. Housed in a contemporary 40mm case, it is made distinctive by a number of familiar elementsthroughout. The combination of the guillochClous de Parisdial and printed numerals has become a signature of the watchmaker, featured most notably on theChronomtre Souverain.The dial of this Octa Automatique Lune also features a large date and moonphase display, making these highly legible.

The wordsInvenit et Fecitare inscribed at 3 o'clock (Latin forInvented and Madeor more literally'Designed and built by F.P. Journe') in classicF.P. Journestyle - a nod to signing conventions of a century ago. At nine oclock, a power reserve indicator of 120 hours is also shown.

Theset

This 40mmOcta Automatique Lunecomes with a blackF.P. Journealligator strap, which is unworn, in addition to a bespokewith curved ends (measuring) and corresponding platinum buckle. It's also accompanied by the originalF.P.Journewarranty card. The watch was recently fully serviced by the manufacture in November 2020.

Viewings are currently suspended for the time being.

Closer look